Wednesday, June 28, 2006

If anyone is - or is planning a trip to - Edinburgh in August, then there are couple of events at the Edinburgh International Book Festival that might be of interest. The festival takes place from 12-18 August @ Charlotte Square Gardens. In addition to talks by distinguished speakers like Francis Fukuyama, James Naughtie, Alexander McCall Smith, David Lodge, Melvyn Bragg, Steve Bell, Tony Benn, James Meek, Mark Haddon, Seamus Heaney, Loz Lochhead, Alexei Sayle and many many others, there are also events that should please a foodie:

Monday 21 August 2006, 7 pm - David Wishart"Whisky, Scotland's water of life itself, is analysed, classified, explained and above all enjoyed by Dr David Wishart in a comprehensive survey of the complex glories of single malt. Why do whiskies taste so different? How to describe them? Where are the distilleries and why are they there? All this and more in a fascinating talk for novice and connoisseur alike."£ 8.00 (conc. £ 6.00)

Monday 21 August 2006, 8 pm - Whisky tasting"A tutored tasting with Highland Park taking you through the different characters of their fine whiskies from the Orkney Islands. In the world of single malts, there are few other brands so consistently lauded - a unique tasting experience."Sponsored by Highland Park£ 8.00 (conc. £ 6.00)

Tuesday 22 August 2006, 8 pm - Hugh Johnson"World renowned wine expert Hugh Johnson comes to the festival, bringing all his vast knowledge of the unique pleasures of wine. Telling of his own lifelong passion, he educates and entertains with the culture, history, variety and sheer enjoyment of wine."£ 8.00 (conc. £ 6.00)

Friday 25 August 2006, 3 pm - Claudia Roden"Stories, memories and whole societies unfold as the incomparable Claudia Roden reveals culinary traditions. The renowned food writer does far more than introduce us to new and exotic dishes. Arabesque provides potent insight into the cuisine but also the history and daily lives of Turkey, Morocco and the Lebanon."£ 7.00 (conc. £ 5.00)

Saturday 26 August 2006, 2.30 pm - Kathryn Hughes"Mrs Beeton bestrode an age. The Book of Household Management defined manners, cleanliness and cooking in the Victorian era - yet she herself was not the matron of legend and died aged only 28 (possibly due to bad hygiene). Kathryn Hughes has written a masterly account of her fascinating life and times. "£ 7.00 (conc. £ 5.00)

Saturday 26 August 2006, 5.00 pm - Shirley Spear"The Three Chimneys on the island of Skye is one of the world's finest restaurants, serving stunning food in a spectacularly beautiful location. Shirley Spear and her husband created it all with their own hard work, ambition and vision. Come and hear her stories."£ 7.00 (conc. £ 5.00)